The damage of cam/tappet surface is one of the major reasons for energy loss in an I.C. engine. High friction causes the accelerated wear of the cam/tappet surfaces which in turn changes the valve opening/closing timing. During the accelerated test evidence of both rolling fatigue and sliding abrasive wear could be found. Based on the results of the accelerated test, a scheme was devised to decrease tappet wear. Wear reduction of the tappet was achieved by using undulated surface topography in the tappet center region. The wear reduction is achieved by trapping of the wear particles in the undulations as well as by increasing the supply of lubricant to the sliding interface.